About the GSC
Canada’s Michael Smith Genome Sciences Centre (GSC)
Today’s Research. Tomorrow’s Medicine.
The GSC is a department of the BC Cancer Research Institute and a high-throughput genome sequencing facility. We are leaders in genomics, proteomics and bioinformatics in pursuit of novel treatment strategies for cancers and other diseases.
Among the world’s first genome centres to be established within a cancer clinic, for more than two decades our scientists and innovators have been designing and deploying cutting-edge technologies to benefit health and advance clinical research.
Among the GSC’s most significant accomplishments are the first publication to demonstrate the use of whole-genome sequencing to inform cancer treatment planning, the first published sequence of the SARS coronavirus genome and major contributions to the first physical map of the human genome as part of the Human Genome Project.
By joining the GSC you will become part of an exceptional and diverse team of scientists, clinicians, experts and professionals operating at the leading edge of clinical research. We look for people who share our core values—science, timeliness, respect—to join us on our mission to use genome science for the betterment of health and society.
Computational Biologist, Clinical
Job Reference no: CB_P01060_HSA166907_CCG_2023_05_31
Canada’s Michael Smith Genome Sciences Centre (GSC) is a state-of-the-art, large scale, high throughput, clinically accredited genomics and bioinformatics facility. If you have a Bachelor of Applied Science or a Bachelor of Science in biological science or computer science, as well as an interest in programming and human health, this is your opportunity to become involved in a team working with cutting-edge technology as a Clinical Computational Biologist.
As a Computational Biologist, you will perform bioinformatics analyses and contribute to software development related to the operation of a large-scale clinical sequencing facility. The position is anchored within a team of exceptional scientists, computational biologists and programmers, which collaborate directly on the development of robust, cost efficient and competitive processes for new targeted and precision medicine analytical pipelines. Your work will help to save lives and contribute to a world free from the fear of cancer.
By working within the GSCs bioinformatics facility, the successful applicant will develop close relationships with world-renown computational and genome science technologists, cancer researchers and medical scientists; have access to one of the most robust computational and next generation genome sequencing technology facilities in Canada, all while living in one of the most beautiful, diverse and eclectic cities in the world.
This is an opportunity to work with highly motivated colleagues in a science-oriented, creative and dynamic environment. We offer a competitive salary, excellent benefits and significant career development opportunities.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Contributes to the design, development, implementation, validation, running, and maintenance of clinical bioinformatics pipelines and related databases.
- Contributes to incorporation of third-party software into clinical bioinformatics pipelines, including:
- identifying candidate software to consider
- comparing software candidates to aid in selection
- determining optimal parameters for the chosen software
- developing interfaces to integrate the chosen software and
- validating integration of the chosen software.
- Participates in the development of novel software solutions, as directed by the Assistant Bioinformatics Coordinator or Clinical Bioinformatics Coordinator.
- Participates in peer code review.
- Contributes to writing and updating official procedures and other documentation related to clinical bioinformatics pipelines.
- Verifies results produced by clinical bioinformatics pipelines.
- Performs exploratory analyses to identify potential root causes of issues encountered during production processing, and implements corrective actions as directed by the Assistant Bioinformatics Coordinator or Clinical Bioinformatics Coordinator.
- Performs bioinformatics analyses to answer questions from the Clinical Director, Clinical Bioinformatics Coordinator, or Assistant Bioinformatics Coordinator.
- Presents implementation plans, analysis results, and validation results internally and externally, in oral presentations and written documentation.
- Contributes to the development of research papers by providing materials, methods, and/or analyzed data.
- Participates in the training of others through orientation, informal instruction, and sharing of job information.
- Performs other related duties as required.
Qualifications
Education, Training and Experience
- Graduation from a recognized Bachelor of Applied Science or Bachelor of Science Program in either Biological Sciences or Computer Science.
- Two (2) years of recent related experience or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience acceptable to the GSC Group Leaders.
Skills and Abilities
- Demonstrated skill with Python or other similar high level languages.
- Functional knowledge of distributed version control systems, such as Git.
- Demonstrated ability in R or other similar statistical programming languages.
- Familiarity with relational databases, such as PostgreSQL, and with ORMs.
- Ability to program and run analyses in a production environment.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Comfortable working in a Unix environment, including experience with shell scripting and common command-line tools.
- Demonstrated interpersonal skills including the ability to work effectively with others in a team environment.
- Demonstrated ability to efficiently organize work assignments to complete required tasks on time.
- Familiarity with next-generation sequencing, cancer genetics, principles of clinical testing, experimental design, statistical hypothesis testing, and/or machine learning would be considered an asset.
- Ability to use related equipment.
Benefits:
Every PHSA employee enables the best possible patient care for our patients and their families. Whether you are providing direct care, conducting research, or making it possible for others to do their work, you impact the lives of British Columbians today and in the future. That’s why we’re focused on your care too – offering health, wellness, development programs to support you – at work and at home.
- Join one of BC’s largest employers with province-wide programs, services and operations – offering vast opportunities for growth, development, and recognition programs that honour the commitment and contribution of all employees.
- Access to professional development opportunities through our in-house training programs, including +2,000 courses, such as our San’yas Indigenous Cultural Safety Training course, or Core Linx for Leadership roles.
- Enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, which includes statutory benefits - Canada Pension Plan, Employment Insurance and WorkSafe BC plus the BC Cancer group benefits plan which includes medical & dental extended health, and group life insurance coverage, and psychological health & safety programs and holistic wellness resources.
- Annual statutory holidays (13) with generous vacation entitlement and accruement.
- PHSA is a remote work friendly employer, welcoming flexible work options to support our people (eligibility may vary, depending on position).
- Access to WorkPerks, a premium discount program offering a wide range of local and national discounts on electronics, entertainment, dining, travel, wellness, apparel, and more.
Job Type:
Regular Full-Time, 7.5 hrs. per day
Salary Range:
Starting at $37.89 to $47.20 per hour for the 6th year
The salary for this position would be determined with consideration of the successful candidate’s relevant education and experience, and would be in alignment with the provincial compensation reference plan and the HSA Collective Agreement.
Apply
Please submit a detailed cover letter and resume to bcgscjobs@bcgsc.ca, using Job Reference no: CB_P01060_HSA166907_CCG_2023_05_31 in the subject line of your email.
As this is a union position, you will also have to apply either as an internal or external applicant through http://www.phsa.ca/careers using the posting reference HSA166907.
While we value and review all applications, please note that due to the volume of submissions only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. This posting will remain online until the position is filled.
All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority.
Important!
As per the current Public Health Order, full vaccination against COVID-19 is a condition of employment with PHSA as of October 26, 2021.
Please note all jobs at the GSC are based in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Flexible work options may be available for this position upon request and is subject to change in accordance with GSC’s operational needs and PHSA’s Flexible Work Options Policy.
We believe that equity, diversity and inclusivity are essential for the advancement of human knowledge and science.
We welcome all applicants and provide all employees with equal opportunity for advancement, regardless of race, colour, ancestry, place of origin, political belief, religion, marital status, family status, physical or mental disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, conviction of a criminal or summary conviction offence unrelated to their employment.